Abstract
Free-standing, membrane-embedded, Si microwire arrays have been used to affect the solar-driven, unassisted splitting of HI into H2 and I3-. The Si microwire arrays were grown by a chemical-vapor-deposition vapor-liquid-solid growth process using Cu growth catalysts, with a radial n+p junction then formed on each microwire. A Nafion proton-exchange membrane was introduced between the microwires and Pt electrocatalysts were then photoelectrochemically deposited on the microwires. The composite Si/Pt-Nafion membrane was mechanically removed from the growth substrate, and Pt electrocatalysts were then also deposited on the back side of the structure. The resulting membrane-bound Si microwire arrays spontaneously split concentrated HI into H2(g) and I3- under 1 Sun of simulated solar illumination. The reaction products (i.e. H2 and I3-) were confirmed by mass spectrometry and ultraviolet-visible electronic absorption spectroscopy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1484-1492 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Energy and Environmental Science |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 1 2015 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Chemistry
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
- Nuclear Energy and Engineering
- Pollution